Girish Patel is a self-made entrepreneur whose journey epitomizes resilience, vision, and the American dream. At just 19 years old, he arrived in Chicago with only $5 in his pocket—having already spent $4 on a modest meal at the Berlin airport after a long, uncertain journey from India. With no safety net and little more than ambition, Girish set out to build a life—and eventually, an empire.
Starting with entry-level jobs in architectural drafting, gas stations and motels, Girish learned the business from the ground up. He worked long hours, saved diligently, and took calculated risks, gradually transitioning from managing properties to owning them. With unwavering determination, he began acquiring small motels across the Midwest, reinvesting every dollar and teaching himself every facet of operations, finance, and real estate. His hands-on approach and people-first mindset laid the foundation for what would become a multigenerational family business in hospitality and commercial real estate.
Over the decades, Girish Patel built a formidable portfolio of branded hotels and commercial properties, known for their operational strength, profitability, and lasting community impact. He forged strong relationships with major hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, often taking underperforming assets and transforming them into thriving, well-run businesses. His integrity, intuition, and work ethic earned him the trust of lenders, franchisors, and peers alike.
But beyond the numbers, Girish has always been known for his humility, generosity, and deep love for his family. A true patriarch, he has mentored his children—most notably his son, Dr. Nimish G. Patel—to carry the torch forward with modern innovation rooted in timeless values. His story continues to inspire future generations of immigrant entrepreneurs and hospitality professionals.
Today, Girish Patel remains an active advisor in the HBS’s investment ventures, offering wisdom drawn from decades of real-world experience. His legacy is not only one of business success—but of grit, gratitude, and the enduring power of starting with nothing but a dream and a few dollars in your pocket.
